taunt

verb

ˈtȯnt 

ˈtänt

taunted; taunting; taunts

transitive verb

: to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at

taunter noun

tauntingly

ˈtȯn-tiŋ-lē 

ˈtän-

adverb

Did you know?

Taunt vs. Taut

Taunt and taut may easily be confused. The words are similar in spelling and pronunciation, though the resemblance does not extend to their syntax or meanings. Taut is an adjective that is most often used to refer to something that is pulled tight, like "a taut rope," or is bulging or filled to capacity, like "taut muscles." Taunt is a noun and a verb that refers to teasing or making fun of a person. That the two words sound similar creates confusion, and taunt, being the more common word, is sometimes substituted for taut. You can remember the difference between the two by remembering that tight and taut both lack the n of taunt.

Synonyms of taunt

• tease
• mock

Choose the Right Synonym for taunt

ridicule, deride, mock, taunt mean to make an object of laughter of.

ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

the other kids mocked the way he laughed

taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Examples of taunt in a Sentence

The boys continually taunted each other.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Cubs players continued to taunt Ruth at every opportunity, and a big one came their way in the bottom of the fourth inning when Jurges slashed a sinking liner into right field and the lumbering, top-heavy Babe muffed a shoestring catch. —Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

Not many 49ers can openly tease and/or taunt an opponent without fear of repercussions. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 7 June 2026

The neighbor, who lived across the hall from Valentine, said the suspect routinely taunted her from inside her apartment, uttering her insults through the microphone of a doorbell camera. —Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 3 June 2026

Fans booed as Jade Cargill took control early, taunting Rhea with pushups. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Middle French tenter to try, tempt — more at tempt

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for taunt

• daunt
• flaunt
• font
• gaunt
• haunt
• jaunt
• pont
• vaunt
• want
• avant
• croissant
• detente

Kids Definition

taunt

verb

ˈtȯnt, 

ˈtänt

: to provoke or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at

taunt noun

taunter noun

tauntingly

-iŋ-lē

adverb